An arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination of the two anywhere in Illinois is a nightmare. If you’re convicted of a DUI offense in Palos Hills, along with a driver’s license revocation, you will be confronted with the possibility of jail or state prison time. The Palos Hills Police Department is constantly on the lookout for impaired drivers. It even has specially trained DUI enforcement officers.
DUI Can Be a Misdemeanor or Felony
These are very difficult cases to defend. Depending on the circumstances surrounding a driver’s arrest, DUI cases in Illinois can be charged either as a misdemeanor or a felony. You can receive a felony even if you have never been charged with driving under the influence in the past. A person who has been arrested for the offense will want an experienced and effective DUI defense attorney.
Sentencing on a Conviction for First DUI
Even on a first DUI charge with a blood alcohol concentration of between .09 and .015, potential sentences after a conviction are strict. A person who is convicted of a misdemeanor DUI is looking at the following:
- Up to 364 days in jail.
- A fine of up to $2,500 plus court costs.
- A driver’s license revocation for at least one year.
- An alcohol and drug evaluation and successful participation in a remedial program.
- Community service.
- An ignition interlock device might be available for a first offender who has been placed on court supervision rather than being convicted of the offense.
When you face a DUI offense in Palos Hills, you may have no idea how serious the charge is or what the consequences are upon a conviction. Defenses to a DUI charge exist. After a DUI arrest, contact DUI attorney Michael D. Ettinger & Associates for a free consultation at 708-923-0368. Contact us at Michael D. Ettinger & Associates. The sooner that you contact us, the sooner we can start preparing your defense.
